Placeholder positioning assembly, textile having a placeholder inside, and related method

Abstract

A placeholder positioning assembly 100 configured to mark the position of at least one structural feature portion 610 in a textile 600, and which operates in cooperation with a textile 600 manufacturing machine 10, and is configured to engage a placeholder 500 with at least one structural feature portion 610 in a textile 600, includes a placeholder positioning unit 110 configured to engage at least one placeholder 500 with at least one structural feature portion 610, thereby marking the position of at least one structural feature portion 610.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Application] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 525,933, filed on July 10, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and made a part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a placeholder positioning assembly and related methods for marking structures in textiles.

Background Art

[0003] Linking is a machine sewing technique specialized for the construction of garments from knitted components. A linking machine is a type of chainstitch sewing machine with a dial of points (sometimes called a crown) added. The sewing mechanism is mechanically interlocked according to the angular spacing of the points so that exactly one stitch is formed at each point. The operator of the linking machine is tasked with overlapping and piercing one workpiece over the other of the workpieces to be joined. Then, the sewing head operates, and stitches are automatically formed using the points that hold the location of each coming stitch. Similar to other sewing processes, stitch formation is highly automated, fast, accurate, and generally very technically mature.

[0004] The transfer of straight bar needles is discussed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 2 discusses placing a welt assembled at a first assembly station directly onto a transfer bar, and then placing the assembled welt on the transfer bar onto an unloading station so that it can be directly transferred to the assembly head of a second assembly station. Various techniques for linking are discussed in Patent Documents 3, 4, 5 and 6; Patent Documents 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12; and Patent Documents 13, 14, 15, 16, 15 and 17.

[0005] However, automating many sewing or linking processes for various textile fabrics remains challenging due to the difficulty of introducing and precisely positioning flexible workpieces into the machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 685,505 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,089,049 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 3,340,834 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 4,846,085 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 5,619,940 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 5,730,075 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-258287 [Patent Document 8] Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-125052 [Patent Document 9] Japanese Patent Publication No. 063160692 [Patent Document 10] Japanese Patent Publication No. 05-305191 [Patent Document 11] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-305192 [Patent Document 12] Japanese Patent Publication No. 05-305195 [Patent Document 13] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 110685073 [Patent Document 14] Chinese Patent No. 113026220 [Patent Document 15] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 113026219 [Patent Document 16] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109457398 [Patent Document 17] China Utility Model No. 201176508 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] According to some embodiments of the concept of the present invention, a placeholder positioning assembly configured to mark the position of at least one structural feature portion in a textile, and which operates in cooperation with a textile manufacturing machine and is configured to engage a placeholder with at least one structural feature portion in a textile, includes a placeholder positioning unit configured to engage at least one placeholder with at least one structural feature portion, thereby marking the position of at least one structural feature portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, a textile is provided that includes a plurality of structural features marked for positioning in a second machine. The textile includes at least one anchor member and a plurality of placeholders configured to engage with corresponding structural features among the plurality of structural features and to connect to the anchor member, thereby marking the plurality of structural features.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method of storing / marking multiple structural features in a textile panel includes: a) engaging one of the multiple structural features in the textile panel; and b) positioning one of the multiple placeholders through the structural feature.

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a diagram of a conventional knitting machine. [Figure 2A] It is a perspective view of a placeholder positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] It is a perspective view of a placeholder positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] It is a front perspective view of the placeholder positioning assemblies of FIGS. 2A and 2B attached to a knitting machine (e.g., those shown in FIGS. 1A - 1E) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] It is an enlarged front perspective view of the placeholder positioning assemblies of FIGS. 2A and 2B attached to a knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] It is an enlarged view of the assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B showing an anchor member engaging a textile panel (e.g., knitted fabric) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] It is an enlarged view of the assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B showing an anchor member engaging a textile panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] It is a diagram showing an exemplary textile panel having multiple structural features (e.g., loops) that can be marked using a placeholder positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] It is a partial perspective view of an anchor member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] Partial perspective view of an alternative anchor member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Side view of a placeholder positioning assembly showing the starting position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Side view of a placeholder positioning assembly showing the extension of the holder between the anchor members and above the target feature (e.g., loop) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] Enlarged view showing the holder in the extended position between the anchor members as shown in FIG. 6B. [Figure 6D] Enlarged view showing an alternative operation of a knitting machine point (e.g., needle) and transfer of a target feature to a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6E] Enlarged view showing an alternative operation of a knitting machine point (e.g., needle) and transfer of a target feature to a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6F] Enlarged view showing an alternative operation of a knitting machine point (e.g., needle) and transfer of a target feature to a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Enlarged view showing a holder for spreading the target feature of a textile panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] Enlarged view showing the movement of an anchor member to a position relative to a target feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] Enlarged view showing the movement of an anchor member to a position relative to a target feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] Side perspective view showing the operation of a placeholder positioning unit inserted through a target feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] Side perspective view showing the operation of a placeholder positioning unit inserted through a target feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9C]This is an enlarged view showing a placeholder positioning unit inserted through a target feature portion and anchor member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9D] This figure shows the retrieval and engagement of a placeholder (e.g., a suture) by a placeholder positioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view showing the engagement of a placeholder by a placeholder positioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] This figure shows a placeholder positioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, which pulls the placeholder back through a target feature portion and an anchor member. [Figure 11B] This figure shows a placeholder positioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, which pulls the placeholder back through a target feature portion and an anchor member. [Figure 12] This figure shows the vertical movement of the anchor member to a position for accepting the second insertion of the placeholder positioning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A] This figure shows the operation of inserting the placeholder positioning unit together with the placeholder for the second time through the target feature portion and anchor member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] This figure shows the operation of inserting the placeholder positioning unit together with the placeholder for the second time through the target feature portion and anchor member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] This is a side view showing the positioning of the end of a placeholder in a placeholder closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] This is a side view showing the positioning of the end of a placeholder in a placeholder closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14C] This figure shows an alternative configuration of the placeholder positioning unit and the insertion of the placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14D]This figure shows an alternative configuration of the placeholder positioning unit and the insertion of the placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14E] This figure shows an alternative configuration of the placeholder positioning unit and the insertion of the placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14F] This figure shows an alternative configuration of the placeholder positioning unit and the insertion of the placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14G] This figure shows an alternative configuration of the placeholder positioning unit and the insertion of the placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14H] This figure shows an alternative configuration of the placeholder positioning unit and the insertion of the placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14I] This figure shows an alternative configuration of the placeholder positioning unit and the insertion of the placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] This figure shows the operation of the placeholder closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] This figure shows the operation of the placeholder closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15C] This figure shows the operation of the placeholder closing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16A] This figure shows the operation of cutting a placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16B] This figure shows the operation of cutting a placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16C] This figure shows the operation of cutting a placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] This figure shows the vertical movement of an anchor member for lowering a placeholder to a position on a textile panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17B] This figure shows the vertical movement of an anchor member for lowering a placeholder to a position on a textile panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18A]This figure shows a holder that returns to its starting position to engage with the following target feature portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18B] This figure shows a holder that returns to its starting position to engage with the following target feature portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19A] This figure shows an exemplary textile panel having multiple placeholders according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the placeholders loosely held between anchor members. [Figure 19B] This figure shows an exemplary textile panel having multiple placeholders according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the placeholders loosely held between anchor members. [Figure 19C] This figure shows an exemplary textile panel having a plurality of placeholders according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the placeholders stretched taut between anchor members. [Figure 19D] This figure shows an exemplary textile panel having a plurality of placeholders according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the placeholders stretched taut between anchor members. [Figure 20A] This is an overhead perspective view of a reading device for textile panels according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20B] Figure 20A is a side view of the reading device shown. [Figure 21A] Figures 20A and 20B show further side perspective views of the reading device. [Figure 21B] Figures 20A and 20B show further side perspective views of the reading device. [Figure 22A] This is a further side perspective view showing the transport system of a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22B] This is a further upward perspective view showing the transport system of a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22C] Figures 22A and 22B show enlarged views of the intake and transport member of the transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22D] This figure shows a reading device in operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows the movement of the tension-applying unit of the reading device to a predetermined position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24A] This figure shows the movement of a tension-applying unit for applying tension to a target placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24B] This figure shows the movement of a tension-applying unit for applying tension to a target placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24C] This figure shows an alternative configuration in which two placeholders according to an embodiment of the present invention are subjected to tension within the target feature area. [Figure 25A] This figure shows the movement of the separation unit of the reading device to a predetermined position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25B] This is an enlarged view of the placeholder fixing member of the separation unit shown in Figure 25A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25C] This is an enlarged view of the placeholder fixing member of the separation unit shown in Figure 25A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26A] This figure shows the movement of the placeholder fixing members to both sides of the target feature portion (e.g., a loop) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26B] This is a top view showing placeholder fixing members positioned on both sides of the target feature area. [Figure 27A] This figure shows the insertion of a point (e.g., a needle) through a target feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27B] This figure shows the insertion of a point (e.g., a needle) through a target feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28A] This figure shows the operation of a blade assembly for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28B] This figure shows the operation of a blade assembly for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28C] This figure shows the operation of a blade assembly for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29]This figure shows a transport system for advancing a textile panel within a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30A] This figure shows an alternative tension-applying unit for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30B] This figure shows an alternative tension-applying unit for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30C] This figure shows an alternative tension-applying unit for a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31A] This figure shows the operation of an alternative tension-applying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31B] This figure shows the operation of an alternative tension-applying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31C] This figure shows the operation of an alternative tension-applying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32A] This is an enlarged view of an alternative tensioning unit engaged with a placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32B] This is an enlarged view of an alternative tensioning unit engaged with a placeholder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a perspective view showing the insertion of a point using an alternative tension-applying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This figure shows the operation of the blade assembly after point insertion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] In some embodiments, the placeholder positioning assembly can be configured to mark the position of structural features of a textile with placeholders. As described herein, placeholders can be used to position the textile, for example, on a linking machine, or to manipulate the textile in other ways for subsequent production and processing.

[0013] As used herein, a “structural feature” of a textile is any textile feature on which a placeholder can be held, either on or within the structural feature. For example, a “structural feature” may include a topological feature of a textile, such as a loop, tangle, or intersection of threads in a woven fabric, which is configured to hold a placeholder on or within it. In a nonwoven fabric, a structural feature may be a location within the textile, such as an (xy) coordinate position within the textile.

[0014] As used herein, the “loop” in textiles includes needle loops or sinker loops.

[0015] As used herein, “textile” includes any suitable textile configured to engage with a placeholder, including plain knit weft textiles, plain warp knit textiles, crochet textiles, circular knit weft textiles, circular warp knit textiles, straight bar weft knit textiles, or cotton frame textiles. “Textile” may be configured as a panel or have a three-dimensional shape.

[0016] As used herein, “placeholder” is a structure that can be positioned in or on a structural feature of a textile, such as a loop. The placeholder can pass through the structural feature, be positioned around the structural feature, or otherwise engage with the structural feature of the textile. In some embodiments, the placeholder is held in place by an anchor member.

[0017] As used herein, “anchor member” is a structure configured to connect to a placeholder, and is typically elongated. In some embodiments, one or more anchor members may connect to multiple placeholders. In this configuration, the anchor member(s) may hold a series of placeholders, for example, for placement in a linking machine or link transfer machine.

[0018] Placeholder positioning assembly Figure 1 shows a conventional knitting machine 10 including a base 20 and needles 30 for forming or manufacturing a textile. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, a placeholder positioning assembly 100 is shown, configured to mark the location of one or more structural features in the textile with one or more placeholders 500 during or after manufacturing by the knitting machine 10 of Figure 1.

[0019] The placeholder positioning assembly 100 includes a placeholder positioning unit 110 having a placeholder positioner 112 and an actuator 114. The placeholder positioning assembly 100 further includes a holder 120 configured to hold structural features in the textile, an anchor feeder 130 having two anchor arms 132, a placeholder dispenser 140, and a placeholder closing unit 150. The placeholder positioning assembly 100 operates in cooperation with a textile manufacturing machine or a textile processing machine such as the knitting machine 10 in Figure 1, and is configured to engage the placeholder 500 with one or more structural features in the textile. As shown in the figure, the holder 120 is configured to engage with structural features within the textile, thereby the placeholder positioning assembly 100 works in cooperation with the holder 120 to engage and position the placeholder 500 at the structural features, thereby marking the location of the structural features within the textile.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the placeholder positioning assembly 100 is attached to a knitting machine 10 having a base 20 and needles 30 for knitting fabric. However, it should be understood that the placeholder positioning assembly 100 can be positioned adjacent to a textile processing machine such as the knitting machine 10 by a robot, operator, or frame so as to work with the knitting machine 10 to position the placeholder 500 within the textile being formed.

[0021] The placeholder positioning assembly 100 can be mounted on a textile processing machine or positioned detachably adjacent to a textile processing machine, and can be configured to operate before, during, or after textile production in a textile manufacturing machine. The textile manufacturing machine may include, for example, a flat weft knitting machine, a flat warp knitting machine, a crochet machine, a circular weft knitting machine, a circular warp knitting machine, a straight bar knitting machine, or a cotton frame.

[0022] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, each anchor arm 132 holds an anchor member 700, thereby feeding the anchor member to the placeholder positioning assembly 100. The anchor arm 132 includes an end 134 with a feed pin 136 configured to hold the anchor member 700 in a flat configuration adjacent to the needles 30 of the knitting machine 10. In this configuration, the anchor arm 132 is configured to position each anchor member 700 adjacent to a structural feature of the textile 600 (Figure 4B), and the placeholder positioning assembly 100 is further configured to engage a placeholder 500 (not shown) with the anchor member 700 and the structural feature of the textile 600.

[0023] An example of an organized textile 600 having a structural feature portion 610 inside is shown in Figure 5A. The structural feature portion 610 includes a loop and is shown as an example of a structural feature portion of the textile 600. Exemplary anchor members 700A and 700B are shown in Figures 5B and 5C, respectively. The anchor members 700, 700A and 700B can be configured to engage with a placeholder 500, thereby connecting the structural feature portion 610 to one of the anchor members 700, 700A and 700B (see, for example, Figures 19A to 19D). The anchor members 700, 700A and 700B can be flat or planar and elongated in shape for feeding along the textile 600. As shown in Figure 5C, the anchor member 700B includes an opening 710B. It should be understood that the opening 710B can be configured to receive the placeholder 500 or as an engagement mechanism for engaging with additional automation equipment. Although the opening 710B is shown as a square or rectangular shape, the opening may be any suitable shape, including circular or loop-shaped. In some embodiments, the anchor member may be a ladder structure having elongated parallel members and crossbars (lungs) extending between them, with openings between the crossbars. The anchor member may also be flexible.

[0024] Here, exemplary operations for positioning the placeholder 500 and anchor member 700 (optional) within the textile 600 are described. As shown in Figure 6A, the placeholder positioner 112 includes a needle 112A. It should be understood that the needle 112A can be any suitable structure for positioning the placeholder. The holder 120 includes an end 122 for engaging with a structural feature portion 610 of the textile 600. In Figures 6A and 6C, the holder 120 is moved above the anchor arm 132.

[0025] Figures 6D–6F illustrate alternative operation of knitting machine points (e.g., needles) for holding a structural feature. As shown, a needle 220A having a slot S lifts the structural feature 610 of the textile (Figure 6D). A holder needle 220B descends through the slot of needle 220A to engage with the structural feature 610 (Figure 6E). Needle 220A can be released and removed from the structural feature 610, and the structural feature is then held away from the textile 600 as shown in Figure 6F. Thus, the holder needle 220B functions similarly to the holder 120 and holder end 122 described herein.

[0026] As shown in Figures 6D-6F and 7, the structural feature 610 on the knitting tool 220A located on the needle bed Q can be transferred to the holder needle 220B, after which the needle 220A can retract into the needle bed Q, forming a gap between the needle bed Q and the textile being constructed. In some embodiments, the anchor arm 132Q can be moved along the needle bed while the structural feature is held on the holder needle 220B. In some embodiments, after moving the structural feature onto the holder needle 220B and moving the anchor arm 132Q, thereby feeding the anchor member 700 under the verge of the knitting machine, i.e., under the interface between the needles in the needle bed Q and the textile being constructed 600, the structural feature 610 can be returned and positioned on the needle 220A or on another knitting tool on the machine. In some embodiments, other knitting tools may be present on the knitting machine, such as needles on a needle bed Q opposite the bed where the structural feature originally resided, and these are configured to receive the structural feature 610 so that the needles 220A can be retracted. In such embodiments, the structural feature 610 can be transported so that the arm 132 can be moved. In some embodiments, the structural feature 610 can then be transported back onto the needles 220A. As shown in Figures 7 and 8A and 8B, the holder 120 includes two elongated holder arms 122A, each with a hook 122B extending substantially perpendicular to the holder arm 122A. The hooks 122B engage with the structural feature 610 of the textile 600 and are configured to move the structural feature 610 away from the textile 600 so that the placeholder 500 can be positioned therein. Therefore, it is possible to insert placeholders, perform normal assembly, or move the structural feature portion 510.

[0027] As shown in Figure 9A, the placeholder positioning unit 110 and the holder 120 are aligned so that the structural feature portion 610 is engaged by the holder 120 and positioned adjacent to or between the anchor members 700. As shown in Figures 9B and 9C, the needle 112A extends through both anchor members 700 and through the structural feature portion 610. As shown in Figure 9D, the needle 112A extends into the placeholder dispenser 140 and engages with the placeholder 500. As illustrated, the placeholder 500 is a suture or thread or other elongated structure that can be held by the placeholder dispenser 140, for example, on a spool (not shown).

[0028] As shown in Figure 11A, the needle 112A pulls the placeholder 500 through the structural feature portion 610 and through both anchor members 700. As shown in Figure 12, the needle 112A moves the placeholder 500 laterally and upward along the nearest anchor member 700, or the holder 120 and anchor arm 132 move the structural feature portion 610 and anchor member 700 to different positions relative to the needle 112A. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the needle 112A again passes through the structural feature portion 610 and the placeholder 500 at a different lateral position than that shown in Figure 11A. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the placeholder 500 can pass over the structural feature portion 610, thereby forming a loop shape around the structural feature portion 610. As shown in Figure 14A, the needle 112A passes through the structural feature portion 610 and the anchor member toward the placeholder dispenser 140, and as a result, the placeholder 500 forms a substantially loop shape.

[0029] As shown in Figure 14B, the placeholder closing unit 150 includes a welder 152 and a placeholder hook 154 with a pin 156 for holding the placeholder 500 in place relative to the placeholder closing unit 150. The anchor member 700 can be held in an orientation such that the main surface of the anchor member 700 faces the structural feature portion 610. As shown in Figures 15A to 15C, the double strand of the placeholder 500 is initially positioned in an open position (Figure 15A) between the two thermal elements 152A and 152B of the welder 152. The thermal elements 152A and 152B close in Figure 15B to weld the double strand of the placeholder 500 to each other, and then the thermal elements 152A and 152B open to release the placeholder 500. Placeholder 500 now forms a closed, or continuous, loop configuration.

[0030] Therefore, the placeholder closing unit 150 is configured to connect the first part of the placeholder 500 to the second part of the placeholder, thereby forming a closed placeholder 500.

[0031] The placeholder closing unit 150 is shown as a heating device configured to weld the first portion of the placeholder 500 to the second portion, but any suitable closing mechanism can be used, such as an ultrasonic device configured to join the first portion to the second portion, a knotting unit configured to form a knot between the first and second portions, an adhesive unit configured to apply or activate an adhesive for joining the first and second portions, an engagement unit configured to reliably join the locking features of the first and second portions, or a twisting / crimping unit configured to twist or crimp the first and second portions. In addition, although the placeholder closing unit 150 is shown as a device configured to close the first portion of the placeholder 500 to the second portion, in some embodiments the placeholder closing unit 150 may instead join the placeholder 500 to one or more of the anchor members 700. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the placeholder closing unit 150 may instead join one or more first portions of the anchor members 700 to second portions of the same or different anchor members 700 so that the placeholder 500 is captured and secured.

[0032] Although the placeholder 500 is shown connected to the anchor member 700, one or more placeholders may be inserted by other suitable configurations without the anchor member 700. Figure 14C shows the loop placeholder 500 after placement by the needle 112A or other placeholder positioning device. Alternative embodiments of the placeholder are shown in Figures 14D and 14E, which show the rivet placeholder 500A in an open configuration (Figure 14D) and the rivet placeholder 500B in a closed configuration (Figure 14E). In some embodiments, the holder 120 may be omitted, and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the placeholder may be inserted using a transfer clip TC. As shown in Figure 14F, the transfer clip TC engages with the structural feature 610 using the needle 112A (or other placeholder positioning device). In Figure 14G, the needle 112 passes through the structural feature portion 610, and in Figures 14H and 14I, it pulls the placeholder 500 back through the structural feature portion 610.

[0033] As shown in Figures 16A and 16C, the blade 146 on the placeholder dispenser 140 is positioned relative to the portion of the placeholder 500 downstream of the closed shape (Figure 16A), cutting the placeholder 500 and disengaging it from the placeholder dispenser 140 (Figure 16B). As shown in Figure 16C, the placeholder 500 is released from the placeholder hook 154 and released as shown in Figure 17A. Figures 17A and 17B show the vertical movement of the anchor member 700 to lower the placeholder 500 to its position on the textile 600.

[0034] Figures 18A and 18B show the holder end 122 returning to its starting position to engage with the next target structural feature 610. In some embodiments, the holder end 122 can replace the structural feature 610 with a placeholder 500 inserted on the needle 220A (see, for example, Figures 6D to 6F above). In some embodiments, the holder end 122 can position the structural feature on different knitting tools. Thus, another placeholder 500 can be positioned on the next structural feature 610 in the textile 600, and the above positioning step can be repeated for multiple structural feature 610s.

[0035] Figures 19A to 19D show an exemplary textile 600 comprising a placeholder 500 and anchor members 700 for securing the placeholder 500. As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the placeholder 500 can be loosely held between the anchor members 700. As shown in Figures 19C and 19D, the placeholder 500 can be stretched taut between the anchor members 700. In this configuration, the placeholder 500 and / or anchor members 700 can be used to identify and manipulate structural features 610 within the textile 600.

[0036] While some embodiments described herein involve engaging the placeholder 500 with the two anchor members 700 so that the placeholder 500 extends between the structural feature portion 610 and each of the two anchor members 700 to mark the location of the structural feature portion 610, it should be understood that other configurations may be used. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the anchor members 700 are omitted, and the placeholder 500 is used to mark the location of the structural feature portion (which may be more than one) 610.

[0037] As shown in the illustration, the placeholder 500 is shown as a yarn or thread, but other configurations of the placeholder may be used. For example, the placeholder may be an elongated piece having an anchor or extension section for holding the placeholder within a structural feature of the textile. Furthermore, although the placeholder 500 is shown extending through the structural feature 610, the placeholder may instead extend around the structural feature 610 to surround it. The placeholder can be formed from elastomer material, thermoplastic material, multifilament yarn, braid, woven tape, crochet or warp-knit tape, weft-knit tape, tubular knitted cord, flat plastic tape, chain of rigid elements, monofilament yarn, twisted yarn, embossed sheet, flexible non-plastic sheet or tape, or a combination thereof. Although the placeholder 500 is shown to pass through the structural feature portion 610 once or twice (see, for example, Figures 24B and 24C), the placeholder 500 may pass through the structural feature portion 610 three, four, five, six or more times.

[0038] Various configurations of anchor members 700 can also be used. The anchor members can be formed from ribbons, woven structures, braided structures, flat extruded articles with holes and attached features, or mesh. The holes in the anchor members may be circular, have flat sides with 3, 4, 5, 6 or more sides, or be any combination of circular and flat sides. The attached features may include loops, hooks, or rods, and the anchors can be made from plastic, metal, or natural materials. In some embodiments, the anchor members have a width of about 1 mm to about 25 mm and a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the holes and attached features have a length and width of about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm.

[0039] The placeholder positioning unit 110 is described above as including a needle 112A. The needle 112A is moved by the actuator 114, thereby shaping the placeholder 500 into a configuration such that the placeholder 500 extends through the structural feature portion 610 and is fixed by the anchor member 700. However, any suitable structure can be used for positioning the placeholder. For example, a gripper, pusher, or tubular feeder can be used. In some embodiments, the needle is about 0.05 mm to about 5 mm wide. Although the needle 112A is shown as having an open eye, in some embodiments the eye of the needle 112A may instead be a closing latch, or may include a slide cover or composite closing member as known in the art.

[0040] Although the placeholder dispenser 140 is described as holding a spool of material and thereby supplying placeholders 500, it should be understood that placeholders can be supplied from various structures. For example, in some embodiments, an anchor member 700 may have a plurality of placeholders 500 connected to it, which can be pulled through structural feature portions 610 in the textile 600. In some embodiments, the placeholder dispenser 140 may include a cartridge or hopper of pre-cut and pre-formed strands, rivets, or other similar structures that can be used as placeholders 500.

[0041] Exemplary materials that may be used for either anchor members or placeholders include natural materials (including animal, plant, fungal, wool, silk, cotton, down, leather, plant fibers, wood, or hemp), thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane (thermoplastic polyurethane), fluoropolymers (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene), viscose polymers, TPX (polymethylpentene), ECTFE, Vectran®, Dyneema®, and metals including ferrous and nonferrous metals.

[0042] Exemplary structures suitable for either anchor members or placeholders include monofilament fibers (extruded or drawn), multifilament fibers (yarn, twisted fibers, braided fibers, woven fibers, rivet bases, chain links of irregular parts, ribbons or tapes (extruded, woven, knitted (crocheted, warp knitted, weft knitted) or overmolded)), and mesh (extruded or joined monofilament or multifilament, woven, knotted, interlocked “knotless”, chemically bonded, welded). In addition, anchor members or placeholders may include molded, stamped, embossed, or inlaid features, bonded features, overmolded features, or chemically bonded features.

[0043] The geometric shape and dimensions of either the anchor member(s) or placeholder(s)(s) may include circular, tubular, rectangular cross-sections, hollow channels incorporated therein, and openings (circular, rectangular, brick-shaped (alternating rectangles), diamond-shaped, triangular, or any suitable shape). Additional features may include loops, hooks, rods, or projections (including substantially spherical appendages). Such features may be approximately 0.1 mm to 10 mm in size. The length, width, or diameter of the cross-section of the anchor member(s) or placeholder(s)(s) may be 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm in thickness and 0.1 mm to 25 mm in width.

[0044] The embodiment is shown using a panel-shaped textile 600 having loop-shaped structural features at the edges of the panel, but it should be understood that the structural features can be located at any position within the panel, and the placeholder can be positioned at such structural features during or after the formation of the textile.

[0045] Although the anchor arms 132 are shown as a pair, it should be understood that any number of anchor arms and / or anchor members can be used. For example, more than two anchor arms may be used to position two or more rows of placeholders in positions within the textile.

[0046] Reader Referring here to Figures 20A and 20B, 21A and 21B, and 22A to 22C, a reading device 1000 for a textile 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In some embodiments, as described above, the textile 600 may include a plurality of structural features 610. For example, in some embodiments, the textile 600 may be a knitted fabric, and the plurality of structural features 610 may be loops in the knitted fabric. In other embodiments, the textile 600 may be a woven fabric, and the plurality of structural features 610 may be intersections between warp and weft threads in the woven fabric. In other embodiments, the textile 600 may be a warp-knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, leather, a crocheted fabric, a cast, extruded, pressed, rolled or 3D printed plastic fabric, or lace. In some embodiments, the plurality of structural features 610 may be a predetermined region or set of coordinates (e.g., X, Y, Z) on the textile 600.

[0047] In some embodiments, a plurality of structural feature portions 610 include one or more target feature portions 610t (e.g., target loops, target intersections, or predetermined areas or coordinates within the textile 600). As described herein, in some embodiments, a placeholder 500 may extend through each target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, the target feature portion 610t may be located adjacent to the structural feature portion 610 through which the placeholder 500 extends. As described herein, the placeholder 500 may be an elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, a multifilament yarn, a braid, a woven tape, a crochet tape, a warp-knitted tape, a weft-knitted tape, a tubular knitted cord, a flat plastic tape, a chain of rigid elements, a monofilament yarn, a twisted yarn, an embossed sheet, or a flexible non-plastic sheet or tape, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the placeholder 500 can engage with at least one anchor member 700 such that the placeholder 500 extends between the target feature portion 610t or an adjacent structural feature portion 610 and the anchor member 700, thereby marking each target feature portion 610t of the textile 600. In some embodiments, more than one placeholder 5001, 5002 may extend through the target feature portion 610t or an adjacent structural feature portion 610 and engage with the anchor member(s) 700 (see, for example, Figure 24C).

[0048] According to embodiments of the present invention, and as will be described in more detail below, the reading device 1000 is configured to identify the respective positions of the placeholders 500 (and corresponding target feature portions 610t) within the textile 600 and to assist in further marking the positions of the corresponding target feature portions 610t. In some embodiments, the position of the target feature portions 610t can be marked at point 1006 of the dial assembly 1002, so that the textile 600 can subsequently link with another textile 600, for example, to link the sleeves of a sweater to the body of a sweater. When coupled with the textile 600, the anchor members(s) 700 and placeholders 500 provide means for rough handling and manipulation of the marked textile 600 (i.e., the target feature portions 610t marked on each placeholder 500) by a person or machine, and may enable easier linking with another textile 600 and / or attachment to another machine (e.g., a linking machine).

[0049] As shown in Figures 20A and 20B, in some embodiments, the reading device 1000 includes a dial assembly 1002. In some embodiments, the dial assembly 1002 may be part of an existing linking machine (not shown), such as a linking machine for knitted garments. In some embodiments, the dial assembly 1002 has a base 1004, around which one or more points 1006 (e.g., needles) are positioned. The points 1006 are positioned such that each point 1006 extends outward from the base 1004. In other words, each point 1006 is configured to move axially relative to the base 1004 so that each point 1006 is received through the respective target feature portion 610t on the textile 600. For example, in some embodiments, the dial assembly 1002 includes at least one point actuator (not shown) configured to move each point 1006 so that it extends through the respective target feature portion 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A and 27B).

[0050] In some embodiments, the reading device 1000 includes a reading subassembly 1100. In some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 is configured to be coupled to a dial assembly 1002. As shown in Figures 21A and 21B and Figures 22A and 22B, in some embodiments, the reading subassembly 1100 includes a transport system 1150. The transport system 1150 is configured to engage with an anchor member 700 and advance the textile 600 through the reading device 1000. In some embodiments, the transport system 1150 may include a pulley system. In some embodiments, the transport system 1150 includes at least one take-in transport member 1152, at least one retrieve transport member 1154, and a plurality of align transport members 1156. As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, for example, when the textile 600 is engaged with two anchor members 700, the transport system 1150 may include two take-in transport members 1152, two retrieve transport members 1154, and at least two align transport members 1156 (i.e., each of the transport members 1152, 154, and 1156 that engage with each anchor member 700).

[0051] As shown in Figures 22A to 22D, the anchor members 700 can be positioned to enter the reading subassembly 1100 through the take-in / transport members 1152. The take-in / transport members 1152 are configured to engage with the textile 600 and advance the textile 600 into the reading device 1000 (i.e., each anchor member 700 engages with its respective take-in / transport member 1152). The take-in / transport members 1152 assist in positioning the textile 600 as it enters the reading device 1000. In some embodiments, the take-in / transport members 1152 are configured to grip the anchor members 700 so that they do not slip off the take-in / transport members 1152 as the textile 600 is being advanced (transported) into the device 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the grabbing and transporting member 1152 may be formed from a rubber material, and its outer surface may create friction with the anchor member 700 to grip the anchor member 700. As shown in Figure 22C, in some embodiments, each grabbing and transporting member 1152 may include a plurality of brush bristles or similar projections 1152p extending outward from there. In some embodiments, the projections 1152p are configured to allow the grabbing and transporting member 1152 to assist in advancing the anchor member 700 (and the textile 600 engaged with it) into the reading device 1000 without interfering with the placeholder 500 engaged with the anchor member 700.

[0052] In some embodiments, the excess length of the anchor members 700 can be guided through the take-in transport member 1152 and the alignment transport member 1156 of the transport system 1150 to secure the textile 600 to the reader 1000, with the ends of each anchor member 700 secured to their respective retrieval transport members 1154. In some embodiments, the retrieval transport members 1154 are configured to engage with each anchor member 700 and pull them through the reader 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the retrieval transport member 1154 is configured to rotate and pull each anchor member 700. As will be described in more detail below, the retrieval transport member 1154 retrieves the anchor members 700 (and placeholders 500) when they are removed from the target feature portion 610t of the textile 600 (i.e., after the placeholders 500 are cut, the anchor members 700 wrap around the retrieval transport member 1154). While the anchor member 700 is wrapped around the retrieval and transport member 1154, the textile 600 engaged with the anchor member 700 is pulled through the reader 1000 (and guided into and through the reader 1000 by the intake and transport member 1152 and the alignment and transport member 1156, respectively).

[0053] As described above, the alignment and transport members 1156 are configured to assist in guiding the anchor member 700 through the reader 1000. In some embodiments, the transport system 1150 may include two, three, four, five, six or more alignment and transport members 1156. In some embodiments, the alignment and transport members 1156 can assist in applying tension to the anchor member 700 so that the reader 1000 can more easily identify the target feature portion 610t on the textile 600. As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the alignment and transport members 1156 can also assist in positioning the anchor member 700 (and the corresponding placeholder 500) within the reading subassembly 1100 so that the position of the target feature portion 610t can be marked (i.e., at each point 1006 of the dial assembly 1002).

[0054] Referring to Figures 23, 24A-24C, and 25A-25C, in some embodiments, the subassembly 1100 of the reading device 1000 may further include a tensioning unit 1160. In some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 is configured to generate tension in selected placeholders 500 that extend through a target feature portion 610t on the textile 600, or through an adjacent structural feature portion 610 into which a point 1006 will be inserted. For example, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 is configured to engage with anchor members 700 and apply force to each anchor member 700, thereby generating tension in selected placeholders 500 that extend through a target feature portion 610t or an adjacent structural feature portion 610 on the textile 600.

[0055] As shown in Figures 24A and 24B, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 includes two tensioning members 1162. In some embodiments, the ends 1163 of each tensioning member 1162 are configured to be received by (or between adjacent portions of) a selected placeholder 500 and to engage with the inner surface of each anchor member 700. In some embodiments, each tensioning member 1162 is configured to apply an outward force to the anchor member 700. In some embodiments, the tensioning members 1162 apply outward forces in opposite directions to each anchor member 700, thereby pulling both ends of the selected placeholder 500 in opposite directions and creating tension in the placeholder 500.

[0056] In some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 may further include a pair of arm members 1164. Each tensioning member 1162 may be coupled to its respective arm member 1164. In some embodiments, each tensioning member 1162 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to its respective arm member 1164. As shown in Figures 24A and 24B, in some embodiments, the tensioning member 1162 is configured to move relative to the arm member 1164 to engage with its respective anchor member 700 and apply an outward force to the anchor member 700. As described above, in some embodiments, more than one placeholder 5001, 5002 may extend through the target feature portion 610t or adjacent structural feature portion 610 and engage with the anchor member(s) 700. As shown in Figure 24C, in some embodiments, the tensioning unit 1160 can function in a similar manner even when more than one placeholder 5001, 5002 extend through the target feature portion 610t or adjacent structural feature portion 610. In other words, the tensioning member 1162 can be received through (or between) multiple placeholders 5001, 5002, engage with the corresponding anchor member 700, and apply an outward force to the anchor member 700 to generate tension in the multiple placeholders 5001, 5002.

[0057] Referring to Figures 25A-25C and Figures 26A and 26B, in some embodiments the reading subassembly 1100 of the reading device 1000 may further include a separation unit 1170. As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments the separation unit 1170 is configured to engage with a selected placeholder 500 to provide additional space between the portions of the placeholder 500 and to position the placeholder 500 in a fixed position. In some embodiments, each point 1006 already has sufficient space to be received through the target feature portion 610t. However, in some embodiments the separation unit 1170 is configured to provide additional space D for each point 1006 of the dial assembly 1002 to be received through the target feature portion 610t of the textile 600 (see, for example, Figure 26B). Providing additional space along the selected placeholder 500 may help avoid interference by the placeholder 500 during the insertion of point 1006 through the target feature portion 610t.

[0058] As shown in Figures 25A to 25C, in some embodiments, the separation unit 1170 may include at least one placeholder fixing member 1172. The placeholder fixing member 1172 is configured to engage with the selected placeholder 500 to create additional space D, thereby allowing the point 1006 of the dial assembly 1002 (e.g., a needle) to be inserted through the target feature portion 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A and 27B). In some embodiments, the separation unit 1170 may include two placeholder fixing members 1172.

[0059] As shown in Figures 25B and 25C, in some embodiments, the placeholder fixing member (which may be more than one) 1172 includes two channels 1173 and an engagement section 1174 located between them. In some embodiments, the engagement section 1174 has an inclined edge. For example, in some embodiments, the inclined engagement section 1174 has a triangular or other shape with an inclined edge. In some embodiments, the engagement section 1174 includes a recess 1175. In some embodiments, the recess 1175 is configured to receive each point 1006 of the dial assembly 1002 through the recess 1175, thereby allowing each point 1006 to be inserted through the target feature portion 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A and 27B). As shown in Figures 25B and 25C, in some embodiments, each channel 1173 is configured to receive each portion of the selected placeholder 500. As further shown, the triangular engagement section 1174 is configured to separate each portion of the selected placeholder 500 to create additional space D, thereby allowing each point 1006 to be received by the target feature portion 610t without interference from the placeholder 500.

[0060] The channel 1173 and the engagement section 1174 are configured to allow the placeholder fixing member 1172 to slide along the selected placeholder 500 while remaining in close contact with the selected placeholder 500. For example, as shown in Figures 25A, 26A, and 25B and described above, in some embodiments the separation unit 1170 includes a pair of placeholder fixing members 1172. Each placeholder fixing member 1172 is positioned within the reading subassembly 1100 to engage with the selected placeholder 500 on both sides of the target feature portion 610t. The placeholder fixing members 1172 are configured to move toward each other (i.e., toward the target feature portion 610t of the textile 600) (for example, to slide along the selected placeholder 500).

[0061] As shown in Figures 26A and 26B, each placeholder fixing member 1172 is moved along the selected placeholder 500 and positioned adjacent to (and on both sides of) the target feature portion 610t of the textile 600. As shown in Figure 26B, the engaging section 1174 of the placeholder fixing member 1172 is configured to bias the engaging portion of the selected placeholder 500 outward, thereby separating the engaging portion of the selected placeholder 500 by a distance D2. The separation distance D2 of the engaging portion is greater than the distance D1 of the adjacent portion of the selected placeholder 500 that is not engaged with the placeholder fixing member 1172 (i.e., D2 > D1). This difference in distance creates an additional space D near the target feature portion 610t, which helps prevent interference by the selected placeholder 500 when point 1006 is inserted through the target feature portion 610t (see, for example, Figures 27A and 27B).

[0062] Figures 27A and 27B show a point 1006 of a dial assembly 1002 being inserted through a target feature portion 610t corresponding to a selected placeholder 500. As described above, in some embodiments, the point 1006 may be received through a recess 1175 of each placeholder fixing member 1172. The additional space D created by the placeholder fixing member 1172 may help to prevent the selected placeholder 500 from obstructing the insertion of the point 1006 through the target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, an intermediate point can be inserted into the recess 1175 of the placeholder fixing member 1172 and passed through the target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, the intermediate point can then be removed and the point 1006 inserted into the target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, there may be one or more intermediate points per dial assembly 1002.

[0063] Referring to Figures 28A to 28C, in some embodiments the reading subassembly 1100 may further include a blade assembly 1180. In some embodiments, the blade assembly 1180 is configured to cut the selected placeholder 500 after the point 1006 has been inserted through the target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, the blade assembly 1180 includes a pair of scissor-like blades 1182, but other types of cutting tools may be incorporated into the blade assembly 1180. After the selected placeholder 500 has been cut, as described above, the anchor member 700 is pulled (by the rotation of the retrieval transport member 1154) and wrapped around the retrieval transport member 1154, advancing the textile 600 within the reading device 1000. When the retrieval and transport member 1154 pulls the anchor member 700, the placeholder 500 is removed from the target feature portion 610t (for example, by being pulled), and the point 1006 remains extended through the target feature portion 610t.

[0064] Figure 29 shows a number of points 1006 already inserted through each target feature portion 610t of the textile 600, when the reading subassembly 1100 is returned to its default starting position and ready to engage with another selected placeholder 500 corresponding to the next target feature portion 610t of the textile 600.

[0065] Figures 30A–30C, 31A–31C, 32A and 32B, and 33 show alternative tensioning units 1160' for the reading device 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the figures, instead of applying force to the anchor member 700 as the tensioning unit 1160 described herein, in some embodiments the tensioning unit 1160' may be configured to directly engage with the selected placeholder 500. In some embodiments the tensioning unit 1160' is configured to pull the selected placeholder 500 to generate tension in the selected placeholder 500 extending through the target feature portion 610t or an adjacent structural feature portion 610. In some embodiments the alternative tensioning unit 1160' may be used when the anchor member 700B includes a notched portion (see, for example, Figure 5C).

[0066] As shown in Figures 30A-30C and 31A-31C, in some embodiments, the alternative tensioning unit 1160' may include an alternative tensioning member 1162' (e.g., a hook) configured to engage with the end of the selected placeholder 500. As shown in Figures 32A and 32B, engagement with the placeholder 500 allows the section 700Be of the anchor member 700 to be removed. As shown in Figure 32C, the alternative tensioning member 1162' is configured to generate tension by pulling the selected placeholder 500 from one end, while point 1006 is inserted through the target feature portion 610t from the opposite end of the selected placeholder 500. In some embodiments, the target feature portion 610t may be moved along the selected placeholder 500 toward and beyond the tension 1162'. In some embodiments, point 1006 may have a recess 1006a configured to receive (or engage) the opposite end of the placeholder 500 (see, for example, Figure 32B). After point 1006 is inserted through the target feature portion 610t of the textile 600, as shown in Figure 34, the blade assembly 1180 can cut the placeholder 500 as described above herein.

[0067] In addition, in some embodiments, the reading device 1000 of the present invention may further include one or more sensor assemblies 1200, 1210. In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1200 may be configured to detect the position of a selected placeholder 500 (see, for example, Figures 22D, 23, and 24A). For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1200 may include a whisker sensor. After the position of the selected placeholder 500 has been detected, the sensor assembly 1200 may be further configured to initiate the operation of the tensioning unit 1160 as described herein. In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1210 may be configured to read coded information from one or more placeholders 500, at least one anchor member 700, and / or textile 600, one or more placeholders, or tags 1250 attached to at least one anchor member (see, for example, Figure 22A). In some embodiments, at least one of the sensor assemblies 1210 includes a camera, an optical sensor, an NFC sensor, an RFID sensor, a barcode reader, a QR code® reader, and / or a magnetic sensor.

[0068] According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for designating one or more target feature portions 610t in a textile 600 is described herein. The textile 600 may include a plurality of structural feature portions 610. Each structural feature portion 610 may have a series of placeholders 500 extending through each target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, the target feature portion 610t may be located in close proximity to the structural feature portion 610 through which the placeholders 500 extend. In some embodiments, the placeholders 500 may be connected by at least one anchor member 700. In some embodiments, a method for designating a target feature portion 610t in a textile 600 may include identifying a selected placeholder 500 corresponding to the target feature portion 610t and inserting a point 1006 through the target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a force to generate tension in a selected placeholder 500 extending through the target feature portion 610t or through a structural feature portion 610 adjacent to the target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, each of these steps is repeated for each set of placeholders 500 extending through the target feature portion 610t.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method may further include cutting the placeholder 500 from at least one anchor member 700, thereby enabling the selected placeholder 500 to be removed from the target feature portion 610t. In some embodiments, the cutting step may also include cutting the selected placeholder 500, enabling the placeholder 500 to be removed (e.g., pulled) from the target feature portion 610t (or an adjacent structural feature portion 610), while point 1006 remains extended through the target feature portion 610t.

[0070] The concept of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples illustrating embodiments. Additional embodiments can take many different forms and should not be construed as limiting to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure complete and comprehensive and to fully convey the scope of the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0071] Similar symbols refer to the same elements throughout the drawing. In the drawing, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements, or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0072] The terms used herein are intended solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit them. Where used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Where used herein, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" identify the presence of a described feature, step, action, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Where used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more items listed together. Where used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted as including X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" mean "between X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y." The term "about" should be understood to include a variation of up to 20%.

[0073] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and in the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted in such a sense unless explicitly defined in an idealized or overly formal sense. Known features or structures may not be described in detail for the sake of brevity and / or clarity.

[0074] When an element is referred to as being "on" another element, "attached" to another element, "connected" to another element, "coupled" to another element, or "contacting" another element, it will be understood that the element may be directly on another element, directly attached to another element, directly connected to another element, directly coupled to another element, or directly in contact with another element, or intervening elements may also exist. In contrast, when an element is referred to, for example, "directly on" another element, "directly attached" to another element, "directly connected" to another element, "directly coupled" to another element, or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements at all. It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that a reference to a structure or feature located "adjacent" to another feature may have a portion that overlaps with or lies beneath the adjacent feature.

[0075] Spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "lower," "over," and "upper" can be used herein for ease of explanation to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, an element described as "under" or "beneath" another element or feature will be oriented "over" of the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "under" may encompass both the "over" orientation and the "under" orientation. The device may be oriented in other ways (by rotating 90 degrees or to other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, terms such as “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “vertical,” and “horizontal” are used herein for illustrative purposes only unless otherwise specified.

[0076] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but it will be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the “first” element discussed below may also be called the “second” element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or drawings unless otherwise specifically indicated.

[0077] The foregoing is illustrative of the concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting. While several exemplary embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teaching of the concept of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention as defined in the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting to any particular embodiment disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A placeholder positioning assembly configured to mark the position of at least one structural feature portion in a textile, wherein the placeholder positioning assembly operates in cooperation with a textile processing machine and is configured to engage a placeholder with the at least one structural feature portion in the textile, and the assembly A placeholder positioning assembly comprising a placeholder positioning unit configured to engage the at least one placeholder with the at least one structural feature portion, thereby marking the position of the at least one structural feature portion.

2. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a holder configured to engage with the at least one structural feature portion of the textile, wherein the placeholder positioning unit operates in cooperation with the holder to position the at least one placeholder on the at least one structural feature portion.

3. The device further comprises at least one anchor arm configured to position at least one anchor member adjacent to the at least one structural feature portion, The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the placeholder positioning unit is further configured to engage the at least one placeholder with the at least one anchor and the at least one structural feature portion.

4. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holder is a knitting tool, knitting needle, slide needle, holding jack, or sinker of the textile processing machine.

5. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one anchor arm includes a first anchor arm and a second anchor arm, and the at least one anchor member includes a first anchor member configured to be positioned by the first anchor arm on one side of the at least one structural feature portion, and a second anchor member configured to be positioned by the second anchor arm on the opposite side of the at least one structural feature portion.

6. The placeholder positioning unit includes a placeholder needle and a needle actuator configured to move the needle. The at least one of the placeholders is an elongated placeholder. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the needle actuator is configured to move the placeholder needle to engage with the at least one placeholder and to position the at least one placeholder at a first position along the first anchor member, at least through the first anchor member.

7. The placeholder positioning unit includes a placeholder needle and a needle actuator configured to move the needle. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the needle actuator is configured to move the placeholder needle to engage with the at least one placeholder, and to position the at least one placeholder through the first anchor member at a first position along the first anchor member, through the at least one structural feature portion, and through at least the second anchor member at a first position along the second anchor member.

8. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 7, wherein the needle actuator is further configured to move the placeholder needle, thereby shaping the placeholder so that it extends through the structural feature portion and is fixed by the first anchor member and the second anchor member.

9. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a placeholder closing unit configured to connect a first portion of the placeholder to a second portion of the placeholder, thereby forming a closed placeholder.

10. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 9, wherein the placeholder closing unit includes at least one of the following: a heating device configured to weld the first portion of the placeholder to the second portion; an ultrasonic device configured to join the first portion to the second portion; a knotting unit configured to form a knot between the first portion and the second portion; an adhesive unit configured to bond the first portion and the second portion; an engagement unit configured to reliably connect the locking features of the first portion and the second portion; or a twisting / crimping unit configured to twist or crimp the first portion and the second portion.

11. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 9, wherein the placeholder closing unit includes at least one of the following: a heating device configured to weld the placeholder to one or more of the anchor members; an ultrasonic device configured to join the placeholder to one or more of the anchor members; a knotting unit configured to form a knot between the placeholder and one or more of the anchor members; an adhesive unit configured to bond the placeholder to one or more of the anchor members; an engagement unit configured to reliably connect one or more locking features of the placeholder and one or more of the anchor members; or a twisting / crimping unit configured to twist or crimp a portion of the placeholder with one or more of the anchor members.

12. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 9, wherein the placeholder closing unit includes at least one of the following: a heating device configured to fix the placeholder by welding one or more first portions of the anchor members to one or more second portions of the anchor members; an ultrasonic device configured to join the first portion to the second portion; a knotting unit configured to form a knot between the first portion and the second portion; an adhesive unit configured to bond the first portion to the second portion; an engagement unit configured to reliably connect a locking feature of the first portion to the second portion; or a twisting / crimping unit configured to twist or crimp the first portion and the second portion.

13. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein one or more of the first anchor member and the second anchor member include a first elongated panel and a second elongated panel.

14. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein one or more of the first anchor member and the second anchor member include an opening.

15. A placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein one or more of the first anchor member and the second anchor member comprises a first ladder structure and a second ladder structure, each of the first ladder structure and the second ladder structure having elongated parallel members and a crossbar extending between them.

16. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 15, wherein one or more of the first anchor member and the second anchor member are flexible.

17. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least one placeholder includes an elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, a multifilament yarn, a braided cord, a woven tape, a crochet or warp-knitted tape, a weft-knitted tape, a tubular knitted cord, a flat plastic tape, a chain of rigid elements, a monofilament yarn, a twisted yarn, an embossed sheet, a flexible non-plastic sheet or tape, or a combination thereof.

18. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 17, wherein the at least one anchor member includes an elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, a multifilament yarn, a braided cord, a woven tape, a crochet or warp-knitted tape, a weft-knitted tape, a tubular knitted cord, a flat plastic tape, a chain of rigid elements, a monofilament yarn, a twisted yarn, an embossed sheet, a flexible non-plastic sheet or tape, or a combination thereof.

19. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 18, wherein the first anchor arm and the second anchor arm each include at least one pair of elongated members configured to position the first anchor member and the second anchor member in an orientation such that their main surfaces face the structural feature portion.

20. A placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a placeholder dispenser configured to supply the at least one placeholder, thereby forming or shaping the at least one placeholder, when the placeholder positioning unit engages with the placeholder.

21. The aforementioned at least one placeholder includes a plurality of placeholders, The aforementioned at least one structural feature portion includes a plurality of structural feature portions, The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the placeholder positioning unit is configured to position each of the plurality of placeholders through the corresponding structural feature portion of the plurality of structural feature portions, and to engage each of the plurality of placeholders with the at least one anchor member so that each of the plurality of placeholders extends between the at least one anchor member and the corresponding structural feature portion, thereby marking the position of the plurality of structural feature portions.

22. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 21, wherein the holder is configured to move the structural feature portion away from the textile and to enlarge the structural feature portion.

23. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 22, wherein the holder is configured to position the structural feature portion on the needle after the placeholder has been positioned.

24. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the placeholder positioning assembly is mounted on the textile processing machine.

25. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the placeholder positioning assembly is configured to be detachably positioned adjacent to the textile processing machine.

26. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the textile processing machine includes a flat knitting machine, a flat warp knitting machine, a crochet machine, a circular flat knitting machine, a circular warp knitting machine, a straight bar knitting machine, or a cotton frame.

27. The placeholder positioning assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the structural feature portion of the textile includes a topological feature portion of the textile configured to hold a placeholder on or within it.

28. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 27, wherein the topological feature portion includes loops, tangles, or intersections between threads in the textile.

29. The placeholder positioning assembly according to claim 28, wherein the loop includes a needle loop or a sinker loop.

30. The textile includes a textile panel, as described in any one of claims 1 to 29, for the placeholder positioning assembly.

31. A textile comprising a plurality of structural feature portions marked for positioning in a second machine, wherein the textile is At least one anchor member, Multiple placeholders configured to engage with corresponding structural feature portions and connect to the anchor member, thereby marking the multiple structural feature portions. Textiles that possess [this feature].

32. The textile according to claim 31, wherein the second machine is a linking machine.

33. The at least one anchor member includes a plurality of anchor members, including at least a first anchor member and a second anchor member. The textile according to claim 32, wherein the plurality of placeholders are configured to pass through corresponding of the plurality of structural feature portions and to extend and pass through to each of the first anchor member and the second anchor member.

34. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the textile includes a plain knit weft-knit textile, a plain knit warp-knit textile, a crochet textile, a circular knit weft-knit textile, or a circular knit warp-knit textile.

35. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein each of the plurality of structural feature portions of the textile includes a topological feature portion of the textile configured to hold a placeholder on or within it.

36. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the topological feature portion includes loops or entanglements.

37. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the loop includes a needle loop or a sinker loop.

38. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the first anchor member and the second anchor member include a first elongated panel and a second elongated panel.

39. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the first anchor member and the second anchor member include an opening.

40. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the first anchor member and the second anchor member include a first ladder structure and a second ladder structure, each of the first ladder structure and the second ladder structure having elongated parallel members and crossbars extending between them.

41. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein the first anchor member and the second anchor member are flexible.

42. The textile according to any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the plurality of placeholders include elastomer material, thermoplastic material, multifilament yarn, braid, woven tape, crochet or warp knitted tape, weft knitted tape, tubular knitted cord, flat plastic tape, rigid element chain, monofilament yarn, twisted yarn, embossed sheet, flexible non-plastic sheet or tape, or a combination thereof.

43. A method for preserving / marking multiple structural features in a textile panel, wherein the method is: a) Engaging with one of the multiple structural feature parts in the textile panel, b) Positioning one of the multiple placeholders through the structural feature portion. Methods that include...

44. c) Positioning at least one anchor member adjacent to the structural feature portion, d) The placeholder extends between the structural feature portion and the anchor member, thereby engaging the placeholder with the at least one anchor member to mark the position of the structural feature portion. The method according to claim 43, further comprising:

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein the at least one anchor member includes a first anchor member and a second anchor member, and step c) includes positioning the first anchor member and the second anchor member on opposite sides of the structural feature portion.

46. The placeholder includes an elongated placeholder, and step b) for positioning the placeholder includes engaging the placeholder with a needle and passing the placeholder through the structural feature portion, or The placeholder includes a rivet, and step b) for positioning the placeholder includes inserting the rivet through the structural feature portion, or The method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the placeholder includes a loop shape, and step b) for positioning the placeholder includes passing the loop shape around the structural feature portion.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein step d) engaging the placeholder with the at least one anchor member includes using the needle to pass the placeholder through the first anchor member and the second anchor member.

48. The method according to claim 44, wherein step a) engaging with a structural feature portion includes using a holder to engage with the structural feature portion, moving the structural feature portion away from the textile panel, and enlarging the structural feature portion.

49. The method according to claim 44, further comprising repeating steps a) to d) for the plurality of structural feature portions, thereby extending the plurality of placeholders between their respective positions along the first anchor member and the second anchor member and the corresponding structural feature portions of the plurality of structural feature portions, thereby marking the positions of the plurality of structural feature portions with the plurality of placeholders.

50. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the structural feature includes a loop, and step a) includes removing the loop from a needlebed knitting tool and temporarily holding it on the holder, thereby creating a gap between the panel and the needlebed, so that the anchor arm can advance to the opposite side of the knitting tool while maintaining the anchor in phase below the loop.

51. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the structural feature includes a loop, and step a) moves the loop from a weaving tool on one needle bed to a weaving tool on a needle bed substantially opposite the panel, thereby allowing the anchor arm to move to the opposite side of the weaving tool while maintaining the anchor in phase below the loop.

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